Fewer than half of DPS students read at grade level or are proficient in math, writing or science, he said. Only 2,900 students graduate every year — markedly different from the 6,300 children on average who enrolled in first grade.

"We are not where we need to be," Boasberg said. "To pretend that the status quo is acceptable is unacceptable."

Boasberg said he was drawn to education because it is the civil rights issue of our times.

Approval expected

He has been chief operating officer since 2007. The board made him superintendent finalist Thursday and is expected to approve him Jan. 22.

Some members of the Latino community have complained that the selection process was done without community input.

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"I asked him to call the process a fraud," said Rita Montero, who spoke to Boasberg before he addressed the gathering. "Stand up and say this is wrong."

Boasberg instead used the meeting to point out the district's successes over the past three years: gains in student performance; more kids in full-day preschool and kindergarten; enrollment at a 30-year high; and the passage of a $454 million bond package — the largest in state history.

He also outlined his goals: retain and attract talented teachers and principals; improve instructional reforms; decentralize the system; increase parental involvement; and ensure the district is financially sound.

Boasberg said he did not envision closing more elementary schools, as was done last year when eight low-performing and under-enrolled schools were shuttered.

Similar to Bennet

Hiring a new chief academic officer would be his first priority, and he admitted that differences between him and Bennet are minuscule.

"There is a mood and a feeling that things are going better, that we are going in the right direction," he said.

Boasberg said he hopes to continue that momentum.

"I believe in it," he said about the reform, "and will push it forward."

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